Electronics supply chain key decision makers share current insight and perspectives on future inventories; pricing, hiring and employment, and business outlook across various technology sectors.
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Executive Management
Spring report: Electronics supply chain optimistic for second half of 2011 though fear, uncertainty, doubt regarding Japan is evident
Effective ODM and EMS provider marketing
ODM and EMS providers are poor when it comes to brand marketing. Differentiation comes from identifying that short list of relevant attributes your organization does exceptionally well in comparison to other alternatives also available to buyers in industry.
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How OEMs can build better EMS provider relationships
Asking questions about cost, quality, strategic fit and risk is only part of OEM best practices for EMS provider due diligence. Reliance on a single point of contact can be a sign of lack of depth, or simply due to …
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2011 Report: China manufacturing hourly labor rate, compensation costs impact EMS
China’s hourly manufacturing labor rates are far below rates in Japan ($27.80) and Taiwan ($8.68) but roughly on par with nations like the Philippines ($1.68). China manufacturing compensation costs slightly higher than those in India. Many EMS / ODM companies in China, especially those making PCs, are moving operations inland.
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Personal perspective from Japan on Fukushima nuclear disaster
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) cannot deny the meltdown and fission. It will take several months to terminate the release of radioactive materials from the facilities and several years to remove the contamination from the area.
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VIDEO – Defining disaster in Japan: Impact on Japanese and global electronics industry supply chains
Japan represents 10% to 15% of global electronics demand but 16% to 30% of electronics component supply. OEMs with meaningful cash positions are trying to pull in orders, buying up available component supplies. Taiwan printed circuit board companies like Kinsus and Unimicron could see bigger negative impacts.
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EMS manufacturing site relocation and selection in North America
Some states offering incentives for EMS providers are really just imposing more taxes. Understanding which states are more aggressive when it comes to incentives capabilities is key to selecting geography.
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Understanding working with Chinese state-owned enterprises
Your chances for success increase if you align your objectives with government of China’s local, regional or national pathway.
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EMS industry job trends, salaries and 2011 hiring outlook
There are currently too many people in the EMS job market and not enough jobs. Read one opinion by a reader experienced in the recruitment industry and learn if you are being paid EMS industry market rates. Also, learn which EMS jobs are in demand plus how EMS compensation differs depending on EMS provider size. Many EMS industry candidates will accept $10,000 per year less in compensation to be part of an EMS provider culture with similar values. Would you?
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2011 Forecasts global EMS / ODM growth slowing with China no longer the exception
Margin improvement now a function of end-market mix. Given rise of material costs and wages in areas like China, 2011 margins are apt to be heading sideways or downward.
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